In a historic address to Ghana’s Parliament, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the enduring bonds between India and Ghana, hailing the two nations as proud torchbearers of democracy, resilience, and shared aspirations.
The address, delivered before a full house that included Ghana’s Vice President, Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, offered a powerful narrative of mutual respect, historic solidarity, and forward-looking partnership between two democracies rooted in anti-colonial struggle and the pursuit of inclusive development.
Opening his speech with warm words and symbolic gestures, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the national award, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, bestowed on him by President John Dramani Mahama the previous evening.
“I will always cherish that. On behalf of the 1,400,000,000 people of India, I thank the people of Ghana for this honor. I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and shared values that bind India and Ghana”.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
PM Modi’s presence in Ghana marked a significant diplomatic moment, and his speech served as a bridge between two nations that, though geographically apart, remain closely aligned in values and developmental aspirations.
Referring to Ghana as the “land of gold,” the Indian leader emphasized that the country’s true wealth lies not only in its mineral resources but also in “the warmth and strength in your heart.”
Tribute to Ghana’s Founder
Prime Minister Modi further paid a tribute to Ghana’s founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose legacy he praised as a guiding light for the global democratic movement.
Quoting Dr Kwame Nkrumah—“The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart”— PM Modi emphasized that the strength of India-Ghana ties rests not only on historical links but also on shared democratic ideals and a future of collaborative growth.
“Friends, India is the mother of democracy. For us, democracy is not merely a system, it is a part of our fundamental values. From thousands of years ago, we have examples of centers like Vaishali,
“The Rigveda, one of the world’s oldest scriptures, says, ‘Ano bhadraha kratabo yantu visvataha’. It means, let good thoughts come to us from all directions.”
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
For him, the openness to ideas is the core of democracy, noting that India’s vibrant democracy includes over 2,500 political parties, 22 official languages, and thousands of dialects.
Drawing comparisons with Ghana’s own democratic journey, PM Modi underscored the importance of strong institutions and inclusive governance.
He lauded Ghana’s steady commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress, describing the country as “a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent.”
The Indian Prime Minister’s remarks also touched on the scars of colonialism, a historical affliction common to both India and Ghana.
Yet, rather than dwell on past injustices, PM Modi urged both nations to draw strength from their rich heritage and continue building on the foundations of social, cultural, and linguistic pluralism.
“Our relationship knows no bounds, and with your permission, may I say our friendship is sweeter than your famous sugar low pineapple. With President Mahama, we have decided to elevate our ties to a comprehensive partnership”.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
India’s Vision for Global Governance
The Prime Minister used the address to articulate India’s vision for global governance, particularly championing the voices of the Global South.
He criticized the inadequacies of institutions created in the aftermath of the Second World War, arguing they are “struggling to respond” to today’s pressing challenges such as pandemics, climate change, terrorism, and cybersecurity.
“The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance. Progress cannot come without giving voice to the global South. We need more than slogans. We need action”.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
PM Modi reiterated India’s advocacy for Africa’s rightful place at the global decision-making table, stating that the people of India are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during its presidency.
Under the philosophical banner of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” India’s G20 presidency focused on multilateral collaboration and sustainable development, themes PM Modi carried into his Ghana address.
He highlighted India’s pandemic-era generosity, noting how India provided vaccines and medicines to 150 countries, including Ghana, as part of its “humanity first” approach.
“Friends, for India, our philosophy is humanity first. We believe in May all be happy. May all be free from illness. May all still be auspicious. May no one suffer in any way. This philosophy embodies India’s approach to the world”.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
In the field of sustainability, the Prime Minister highlighted several of India’s initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the International Big Cat Alliance.
He proudly announced that Ghana would host the African regional meeting of the ISA this September, describing it as a symbol of “our shared belief that the world is one family.”
Reflecting on India’s remarkable development over the past decade, Prime Minister Modi noted that the Indian people recently re-elected his government for a third consecutive term—a feat not seen in over six decades.
“Today India is the fastest-growing emerging economy. On the foundations of stable polity and good governance, India will soon be the third-largest economy. We already contribute nearly 16% to global growth.”
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
India’s transformation, according to PM Modi, is powered by innovation, demographic dividends, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its youth.
He celebrated India’s position as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world and a global hub for technology and pharmaceuticals. “Indian women today lead in science, space, aviation, and sports,” he proudly stated.
“When India’s Chandrayaan landed on the moon’s South Pole, I was in Africa. And today, as an Indian astronaut conducts experiments on board a space station for the welfare of humanity, I am once again in Africa. This is no ordinary coincidence. It reflects the deep bond we share, our common aspirations and our shared future.”
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
Commitment to Inclusive Development
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive development, emphasizing that Indians growth touches the lives of every Indian.
According to him, the people of India have resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047 when it will celebrate 100 years of independence.
For him, if Ghana continues to pursue the path of progress and prosperity, India shall walk shoulder to shoulder on the road toward transformative development.
He closed his speech with a resounding pledge of support for Africa’s development under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, stressing that India remains a committed partner in Africa’s development journey.
“We support Africa’s development framework to secure a bright and sustainable future for its people,” he summed up his speech, assuring Africa of Indian’s continued support.
READ ALSO: Ghana, China Forge Strategic Climate Alliance to Boost Green Development
